Purchaser - Shipping/Receiving Inventory Specialist

PURCHASER - SHIPPING/RECEIVING INVENTORY SPECIALIST

WHO WE ARE //

Consistency, Thoroughness, Passion, and Craftsmanship are the fundamentals on which we have built SPMDesign.

With decades of experience, our multidisciplinary team of designers, project managers, and fabricators collaborate creatively and energetically with A-list clients to deliver various projects. Whether a global corporate environment, experiential build, or art curation, we approach every project with the same attention to detail that all of our clients deserve.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR //

We are looking for an innovative, energetic, detail-oriented, and ambitious Purchaser- Shipping/Receiving Inventory Specialist to manage a range of responsibilities in our fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in similar roles and the ability to establish efficient processes and adapt to unique project requirements.

As a Purchaser- Shipping/Receiving Inventory Specialist, you will be responsible for procurement of materials and supplies for projects and production usage, overall inventory management, and supervision of the shipping and receiving clerk. You will manage all incoming and outgoing shipments, deliveries, material handling, and inventory.

WHAT YOU’LL DO HERE //

Procurement and Purchasing

• Manage daily purchasing activities, including sourcing, selecting, and ordering materials, supplies, and services based on project BOMs and leadership requests.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
• Prepare and manage RFQs, negotiate favorable terms, and expedite orders.
• Collaborate with project managers to develop, adhere to, and maintain project budgets.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve procurement processes and cost savings.
• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers based on quality, price, delivery, and service.
• Manage and maintain accurate purchase orders, invoices, and related documentation.
• Coordinate with suppliers to resolve quality issues, delivery delays, or discrepancies.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and provide feedback for improvement.
• Stay current with market trends, pricing, and new materials to inform purchasing decisions.

Inventory Management

• Monitor and optimize inventory levels to ensure adequate stock while minimizing excess.
• Identify inventory constraints and implement best practices for inventory control.
• Analyze inventory data, track variances, and recommend solutions to leadership.
• Communicate with the production team to ensure accurate reporting, material usage, and labor tracking.
• Conduct regular audits and reconciliations of inventory with external and internal documentation.
• Develop and maintain an organized system for inventory storage and retrieval.
• Utilize inventory management software to track stock levels, usage, and reorder points.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and execute inventory counts and adjustments.
• Identify and implement strategies to reduce inventory obsolescence and waste.
• Monitor and report key inventory metrics, such as turn rates and carrying costs.

Shipping and Receiving

• Oversee shipping and receiving operations, including material handling, package preparation, and documentation.
• Verify accuracy of received materials against BOMs and quality standards.
• Direct the flow of packages from preparation to shipment, ensuring all labels, documents, and other features are complete.
• Keep teams updated on shipment status and delivery schedules.
• Promptly unload trucks and deliveries and ensure proper sorting and stocking of received items.

Process Improvement and Compliance

• Identify and resolve procedural issues that impact inventory and recommend solutions to leadership.
• Develop, update, and ensure adherence to SOPs for purchasing, shipping, receiving, and inventory processes.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment and ensure compliance with safety protocols and quality standards.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay current with industry best practices and trends in procurement, inventory management, and logistics.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Supervise and guide shipping and receiving clerk, fostering their professional development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, production, and accounting, to ensure smooth operations.
• Communicate proactively with leadership regarding potential issues or delays that may impact project schedules.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented attitude, leading by example and promoting a strong work ethic.
• Participate in regular team meetings, safety briefings, and training sessions as required.

• 4-5 years of job shop manufacturing environment experience.
• 4-5 years of inventory-related experience and previous warehouse experience desired.
• 2 years minimum experience in a shop/manufacturing environment as a purchaser/buyer.
• In-depth understanding of accounting principles concerning inventory, sales, and gross margin.
• Warehouse Management Software experience.
• Ability to analyze data electronically.
• Ability to edit data in a quick and highly accurate manner.
• Ability to work independently and within a team structure to stay on schedule.
• Able to communicate effectively with the team.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and resolve inventory management issues to affect cost savings.
• Uses measuring tools such as squares, scales, rulers, and tapes accurately.
• Uses equipment to lift or move sheets of metal, push or pull up to 50 lbs.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline/major (CM, business, engineering, supply chain management).

MORE DETAILS ABOUT YOU //

• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving capabilities.
• Must have the ability to understand BOMs and material requirements planning.
• Strong ability to adapt to a changing environment with the ability to multitask, effectively deal with ambiguity, and proactively ensure that progress and results are constant.
• Expert-level communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in standard project management tools: Google Business Suite and Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team environment.
• Maintain a positive attitude with the team no matter the size or challenge of a project. Lead by example.
• Positive attitude, a ‘can-do’ style, and stellar work ethic.
• Great attention to detail to maintain quality service by establishing, following, and enforcing organizational quality system standards.
• Time management and organizational skills are essential.
• Punctuality, reliability, and polite professionalism are expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS //

• Office Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position working at a desk and operate a computer and other office machinery, including a printer, copier, and telephone.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to bend, stretch, lift, and push/pull up to 50lbs and stand and walk for at least half of a normal workday.
• Must possess mobility to work in a standard warehouse setting and work with and around various equipment, parts, and inventory.
• Must possess vision to read printed materials and hearing and speech to communicate in person and/or over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to safely use computers, phones, components, and equipment.
• Employees in a shop or warehouse are exposed to cold and hot temperatures, loud noise levels, vibration, chemicals, dust, mechanical hazards, and moving objects.
• Adhere to SPMD policies and procedures.
• Must follow SPMD and Cal-OSHA established safety requirements and practices at all times.